Flexible Vacuum Assembly Fixture

Abstract

The flexible vacuum assembly fixture includes a base, at least one arm coupled to the base, a suction cup fitting coupled to the at least one arm distal to the base, a vacuum generator fluidly coupled to the suction cup fitting via a vacuum tube, and a grounding feature configured to electrically ground the suction cup fitting, the at least one arm, and the base.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure is directed to devices configured to support complex components during assembly, particularly flexible devices that can accommodate a variety of part profiles. [Background technology]

[0002] Complexly shaped components and assemblies need to be held in a fixed position during assembly and part processing. These items can be difficult to secure due to their particular shape and structure. Traditionally, custom, part-specific tooling and fixtures have been designed and formatted to properly secure the components. However, custom tooling and fixtures can be expensive and require time to design, manufacture, and prove the concept.

[0003] What is needed is a support structure configured to support complex shaped components during assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a flexible vacuum assembly fixture that includes a base, at least one arm coupled to the base, a suction cup fitting coupled to the at least one arm distal to the base, a vacuum generator fluidly coupled to the suction cup fitting via a vacuum tube, and a grounding feature configured to electrically ground the suction cup fitting, the at least one arm, and the base.

[0005] Further embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments may additionally and / or alternatively include at least one arm including an assembly of multiple ball and socket components coupled in series.

[0006] Further embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments may additionally and / or alternatively include an assembly of multiple ball and socket components configured to pivot by use of a ball inserted into a mating socket in each of the multiple serially connected ball and socket components.

[0007] Further embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments may additionally and / or alternatively include that the arm includes a length and weight support capacity configured to be scalable in response to the size, weight, and shape of the component supported thereby.

[0008] Further embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments may additionally and / or alternatively include that the flexible vacuum assembly fixture further includes a platform coupled to the base, the platform being configured as a rigid structure to support the base.

[0009] Further embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments may additionally and / or alternatively include that the suction cup fitting includes a non-marring, adhesive feature configured for contact support of an exterior surface of a component.

[0010] Further embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments may additionally and / or alternatively include that the suction cup fitting is configured to be at least one of scalable, removable, and replaceable in response to at least one of a weight, a size, and a shape of the component.

[0011] The present disclosure provides a flexible vacuum assembly fixture that includes a base coupled to a platform, at least one arm coupled to the base, a suction cup fitting coupled to the at least one arm distal to the base, a vacuum generator mounted on the platform, the vacuum generator fluidly coupled to the suction cup fitting via a vacuum tube, and a grounding feature configured to electrically ground the suction cup fitting, the at least one arm, the base, and the platform.

[0012] Further embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments may additionally and / or alternatively include that the suction cup fitting is configured to create a vacuum-tight bond to the exterior surface of the component.

[0013] Further embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments may additionally and / or alternatively include that the arm includes a length and weight support capacity configured to be scalable in response to the size, weight, and shape of the component supported thereby.

[0014] Further embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments may additionally and / or alternatively include that the suction cup fitting includes a non-marring, adhesive feature configured for contact support of an exterior surface of a component.

[0015] Further embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments may additionally and / or alternatively include that the flexible vacuum assembly fitting further includes a vacuum demand switch fluidly coupled to the vacuum generator.

[0016] Further embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments may additionally and / or alternatively include that the suction cup fitting is configured to be at least one of scalable, removable, and replaceable in response to at least one of a weight, a size, and a shape of the component.

[0017] The present disclosure provides a process for supporting a component with a flexible vacuum assembly fixture, including coupling a base to a platform, coupling at least one arm to the base, coupling a suction cup fitting to the at least one arm distal to the base, mounting a vacuum generator to the platform and fluidly coupling the vacuum generator to the suction cup fitting via a vacuum tube, and electrically grounding grounding features to the suction cup fitting, the at least one arm, the base, and the platform.

[0018] Further embodiments of any of the preceding embodiments may additionally and / or alternatively include, wherein the steps further include creating a vacuum-tight bond to the exterior surface of the component with a suction cup fitting.

[0019] Further embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments may additionally and / or alternatively include that the suction cup fitting is configured to be at least one of scalable, removable, and replaceable in response to at least one of a weight, a size, and a shape of the component.

[0020] Further embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments may additionally and / or alternatively include that the suction cup fitting includes a non-marring, adhesive feature configured for contact support of an exterior surface of a component.

[0021] Further embodiments of any of the preceding embodiments may additionally and / or alternatively include, wherein the steps further include fluidly coupling a vacuum demand switch to the vacuum generator.

[0022] Further embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments may additionally and / or alternatively include at least one arm including an assembly of multiple ball and socket components coupled in series.

[0023] Further embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments may additionally and / or alternatively include an assembly of multiple ball and socket components configured to pivot by use of a ball inserted into a mating socket in each of the multiple serially connected ball and socket components.

[0024] Other details of the flexible vacuum assembly fitting are set forth in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary flexible vacuum assembly fitting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Referring now to FIG. 1, a flexible vacuum assembly fixture 10 is illustrated. A base 12 supports at least one arm 14. The base 12 can be configured to adjust in multiple axes. The base 12 can be set to various orientations. The base 12 couples to a platform 16. The platform 16 is configured as a rigid structure to support the base 12.

[0027] The fixture 10 shown in FIG. 1 has a set of three arms 14. It is contemplated that a different number of arms 14 can be utilized. The arms 14 can be an assembly of multiple ball-and-socket components 18 coupled in series. The multiple ball-and-socket components 18 can pivot through the use of balls inserted into mating sockets in each of the serially connected components. The ball-and-socket components 18 can include a predetermined friction / resistance that enables the components 18 to be manipulated relative to one another while providing sufficient rigidity to remain stationary to support the component 20. The length and weight-bearing capacity of the arms 14 can be configured to be scalable depending on the size, weight, and shape of the component 20 being supported. The arms 14 can be variable in length, thickness, ball-and-socket resistance, etc.

[0028] A suction cup fitting 22 can be attached to the arm 14 at a distal end 24 having a location distal from the base 12. The suction cup fitting 22 can be configured to create a vacuum-tight coupling to an exterior surface 28 of the component 20 via suction cup 26. The suction cup 26 can removably adhere the suction cup fitting 22 to the exterior surface 28. The suction cup fitting 22 can also include a non-marring, tacky material, or adhesive properties to enable sufficient contact support of the exterior surface 28 of the component 20. The suction cup fitting 22 can be activated through the use of a vacuum generator (vacuum pump) 30 in fluid communication with the suction cup fitting 22 via vacuum tubing 32. The arm 14 can be manipulated as necessary for the desired location and orientation of the component 20 either before or after the vacuum-tight coupling is established between the component 20 and the suction cup 26.

[0029] The vacuum demand switch 34 can be fluidly coupled to the vacuum generator 30 to support sufficient vacuum suction. The suction cup fitting 22 can include a body 36 having a receptacle socket 38 configured to attach to a corresponding ball on the distal end 24. The body 36 also includes a vacuum line receptacle 40 configured to attach to the vacuum tube 32. The suction cup 26 is connected to the body 36 opposite the receptacle socket 38. The suction cup 26 extends from the body 36 and is in fluid communication with the receptacle 40.

[0030] A manifold 42 can be utilized to distribute the vacuum tubes 32. The suction cup fittings 22 can be scaled in size. The suction cup fittings 22 can be scalable, removable, and replaceable to allow multiple sizes to fit multiple weights, sizes, and shapes of components 20.

[0031] To protect against electrostatic discharge to components 20 that are sensitive to such hazards, a grounding feature 44 can be electrically coupled to suction cup fitting 22. Grounding feature 44 can be electrically coupled through conductive properties of suction cup fitting 22, arm 14, base 12, vacuum tube 32, and platform 16 to ultimately ground, as shown. In an exemplary embodiment, a conductive wire or cable 46 can be provided.

[0032] Technical advantages of the disclosed flexible vacuum assembly fixture include the ability to tailor the fixture to multiple, uncommon geometries.

[0033] Another technical advantage of the disclosed flexible vacuum assembly fixture includes the ability to attach to components via vacuum suction.

[0034] Another technical advantage of the disclosed flexible vacuum assembly fitting includes flexibility of the articulating base, which provides multiple degrees of freedom of movement.

[0035] Another technical advantage of the disclosed flexible vacuum assembly fixture includes multiple articulated arms for capturing and supporting components.

[0036] Another technical advantage of the disclosed flexible vacuum assembly fixture includes a scalable device that can accommodate a wide variety of component sizes, weights, and geometries.

[0037] Another technical advantage of the disclosed flexible vacuum assembly fixture includes a path to ground feature that provides effective electrostatic discharge protection.

[0038] Another technical advantage of the disclosed flexible vacuum assembly fixture includes a non-marring suction cup design to protect component surfaces.

[0039] A flexible vacuum assembly fitting has been provided. While the flexible vacuum assembly fitting has been described in the context of specific embodiments thereof, other unforeseen alternatives, modifications, and variations may become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to cover all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A flexible vacuum assembly fixture comprising: A base and at least one arm coupled to the base, the at least one arm including an assembly of a plurality of ball and socket components coupled in series; a suction cup fitting coupled to the at least one arm distal from the base; a vacuum generator fluidly coupled to the suction cup fitting via a vacuum tube; a grounding feature configured to electrically ground the suction cup fitting, the at least one arm, and the base; Equipped with The suction cup fitting is a flexible vacuum assembly fitting including a body having a receptacle socket configured to attach to a corresponding ball on a distal end and a vacuum line receptacle configured to attach to the vacuum tube.

2. 10. The flexible vacuum assembly fixture of claim 1, wherein the assembly of multiple ball and socket components is configured to pivot through the use of a ball inserted into a mating socket in each of the multiple ball and socket components in series.

3. 10. The flexible vacuum assembly fixture of claim 1, wherein the length and load-bearing capacity of the arms are configured to be scalable in response to the size, weight, and shape of a component supported by the flexible vacuum assembly fixture.

4. The flexible vacuum assembly fixture of claim 1 , further comprising a platform coupled to the base, the platform configured as a rigid structure to support the base.

5. The flexible vacuum assembly fixture of claim 1 , wherein the suction cup fitting includes a non-marring, adhesive feature configured for contact support of an exterior surface of a component.

6. 10. The flexible vacuum assembly fixture of claim 1, wherein the suction cup fitting is configured to be at least one of scalable, removable, and replaceable in response to at least one of a weight, size, and shape of a component.

7. A flexible vacuum assembly fixture comprising: a base coupled to the platform; at least one arm coupled to the base, the at least one arm including an assembly of a plurality of ball and socket components coupled in series; a suction cup fitting coupled to the at least one arm distal from the base; a vacuum generator mounted on the platform, the vacuum generator fluidly coupled to the suction cup fitting via a vacuum tube; and a grounding feature configured to electrically ground the suction cup fitting, the at least one arm, the base, and the platform; Equipped with The suction cup fitting is a flexible vacuum assembly fitting including a body having a receptacle socket configured to attach to a corresponding ball on a distal end and a vacuum line receptacle configured to attach to the vacuum tube.

8. The flexible vacuum assembly fixture of claim 7 , wherein the suction cup fitting is configured to mate in close vacuum contact with an exterior surface of a component.

9. 8. The flexible vacuum assembly fixture of claim 7, wherein the length and load-bearing capacity of the arms are configured to be scalable in response to the size, weight, and shape of a component supported by the flexible vacuum assembly fixture.

10. 8. The flexible vacuum assembly fixture of claim 7, wherein the suction cup fitting includes a non-marring, adhesive feature configured for contact support of an exterior surface of a component.

11. The flexible vacuum assembly fixture of claim 7 further comprising a vacuum demand switch fluidly coupled to the vacuum generator.

12. 8. The flexible vacuum assembly fixture of claim 7, wherein the suction cup fitting is configured to be at least one of scalable, removable, and replaceable in response to at least one of a weight, size, and shape of a component.

13. supporting the component with a flexible vacuum assembly fixture; coupling a base to the platform; coupling at least one arm to the base; coupling a suction cup fitting to the at least one arm distal from the base; mounting a vacuum generator on the platform and fluidly coupling the vacuum generator to the suction cup fitting via a vacuum tube; electrically grounding grounding features to the suction cup fitting, the at least one arm, the base, and the platform; Including, the at least one arm includes an assembly of a plurality of ball and socket components coupled in series; The suction cup fitting includes a body having a receptacle socket configured to attach to a corresponding ball on a distal end and a vacuum line receptacle configured to attach to the vacuum tube.

14. 14. The process of claim 13, further comprising forming a vacuum intimate bond with the suction cup fitting to an exterior surface of the component.

15. The process of claim 14 , further comprising manipulating the at least one arm to move the component to a desired position and orientation.

16. 14. The process of claim 13, wherein the suction cup fitting is configured to be at least one of scalable, removable, and replaceable in response to at least one of a weight, a size, and a shape of a component.

17. The process of claim 13 , wherein the suction cup fitting includes a non-marring, adhesive feature configured for contact support of an exterior surface of a component.

18. The process of claim 13 further comprising fluidly coupling a vacuum demand switch to the vacuum generator.

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